TGN-020 is primarily used in research settings for its potent inhibitory effect on aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water channel protein highly expressed in astrocytes in the central nervous system. Its main application lies in the study of neuroinflammatory and ischemic conditions such as cerebral edema, particularly following stroke or traumatic brain injury. By blocking AQP4, TGN-020 reduces water influx into brain tissue, thereby helping to decrease swelling and intracranial pressure in experimental models. It has shown neuroprotective properties in animal studies, making it a valuable tool for exploring potential therapeutic strategies for stroke and other brain injuries. Additionally, TGN-020 is used to investigate the role of aquaporins in diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, where AQP4 is a key autoantigen. Due to its specificity and blood-brain barrier permeability, it serves as a lead compound in developing treatments targeting water homeostasis in the brain.